I'd been thinking of writing a review and when I saw another negative review get posted, I decided it was time to share my experience thus far.

I lived in Lakewood Lodge once before from 2001-2002 and loved it. When I moved back to Indianapolis and was looking for an apartment, it was the first place I thought of. I was dismayed by some of the reviews I saw on this site, but after visiting again and looking around, I decided to go for it. I grew up less than a mile from the community and love it's convenience.

I have not really had any issues since moving here. Could my apartment be a bit updated' Sure, but I can't beat the value. It's comfortable and I like the floor plan and ample space, and maintenance has been great. When I first moved in, all of my requests were handled promptly, and they even switched the refrigerator doors for me so that it swung out differently, which required buying a special part. Every concern I've had since then has typically been handled the same day as when I submitted my service request. When my refrigerator stopped cooling a few months ago, the following day I had a brand new refridgerator in my kitchen.

Based on the reviews I read on this site, I did have several concerns before moving in, but none of them have come to fruition. For example, I live in a building close to the CVS pharmacy and I'd read that there were lots of issues with parking on this part of the complex. Even with my building and the one next to it filled (that's 16 apartments), I've never had a problem parking and have always found a space right beside my building, even when neighbors have had company over.

I have a 2 bedroom apartment in a building of 8 apartments, and almost all of the apartments in my building are filled with more than one occupant. One of the reviews I read on here indicated that they had issues with hot water and the availability of the laundry facilities. I have never had an issue with hot water - I've always had hot water whenever I've taken a shower no matter how long or what time. I don't typically do my laundry here, but whenever I've needed to use the laundry facility here, it's been available and the room is clean and well kept.

My neighbors are all polite and seem friendly. The only time I notice noise from a neighboring apartment is when I am on the landing - not when I'm in my apartment. The apartments are designed so that the main rooms are on the outside so typically the only noise I hear is from outside if my windows are open, and that's minimal.

I realize I could just be lucky - perhaps I just happened to end up in an exceptional building with good people who don't make a lot of noise, are mindful of others, and are polite about parking. But I am guessing that a lot of people here have had a good experience and, as is often the case, the people who take the time to write reviews are those who have had a poor experience. I'm not disputing that people have had bad experiences here, and I'm sure that some buildings and neighbors are better than others, I'm simply suggesting that there have been a lot of positive experiences, too.

So that is my experience so far after about 6 months here. If it changes, I'll definitely write a review. As of now, I'm very pleased and like where I live and the fact that I can walk to most places I need to go including the store and a favorite restaurant. I love walking around the complex, and I often see people working on the lawn and grounds when I leave for work. And did I mention that I love the trees' That is honestly one of my favorite features of this place.

I've never felt unsafe, even when coming home late at night, and I feel like my neighbors look out for me. There is a lot of diversity in this complex and many families - I see lots of kids outside playing together when I come home and it looks like their families look out for each other, too.

What would I improve' I'd love to have new windows and screens - the windows are low to the ground, at least on a 2nd floor apartment, and sturdier windows/screens would be safer for those who have small children. (I really like them, though). The A/C doesn't seem as efficient as it could and sometimes doesn't seem to get as cold as I would like, but it does OK.
But that's all I can think of off the top of my head...I have almost as much square footage as the small house I shared with a friend before moving here and lots of closet space, plus extra storage. And, as mentioned before, I really like the layout and floor plan.

My recommendation for people who are interested is to take all of the reviews on this site into consideration, but then to come see the place for themselves.

User Responses
From: Anonymous	Date: 09/02/2009
Well I hope you don't come home one day to a guy inside your building pointing a gun at you demanding your car keys.
From: robin77	Date: 09/02/2009
I hope not too! And I feel bad if that happened to you. I can only speak from my experience. As I said, this is my second time living here - the first time I lived in the center of the complex and it was under different management and seemed less cared for and I felt safe then, too.
From: Anonymous	Date: 09/03/2009
I love this apartment complex...going on my 3rd yr :) ...glad u like it Robin :)

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